You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Equipment RequirementsScopes are recommended but not required. We recommend wide angle binoculars, something within the range of 7x35, 8x40 or even 10x50 with good light gathering characteristics. Although light and comfortable, pocket binoculars don't work as well on low light conditions.

Itinerary for Nov 4 — Nov 16, 2014

Description: This new hotel provides guests with excellent service, spacious rooms and open public areas. One of the most important highlights of this property is its location, only 5 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Courtyard by Marriott Cancun offers a free shuttle to its beach club, and also to Cancun's downtown area.

Room amenities: High speed internet access, desk, a large LCD TV, and air-conditioning.

Facility amenities: The hotel has an excellent restaurant serving a variety of delicious dishes. El Henequen resembles an old elegant ''Hacienda'' from the Yucatan Peninsula. The hotel also features a swimming pool.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Subject to availability.Please contact your program provider, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on availability and rates.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Tuesday, November 04 - Depart the U.S./Arrivals in Cancun, Mexico.

Arrive To: Arrive at the Cancun International Airport in Cancun, Mexico.

Transfer to the hotel and check-in, followed by time at leisure.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM.

Group transfers will be arranged based on flight times. We will have the information available approximately 5 weeks before departure. If your arrival time is not the same as group arrivals, you can use the hotel's shuttle service from the airport.

Description: Mayaland was the first hotel built at Chichen Itza (in 1923) and, with its superb location amidst the temples, the first within an ancient site in the world. In its way, it's as much a landmark as the pyramids that tower above it. Mayaland is a creation of Old Yucatan, built and operated by its original owners and their descendants in a style reminiscent of the hacienda nobility of a century ago. Its air of genteel hospitality and old-fashioned charm is a legacy enhanced by the addition of every amenity. The grounds are alive with birdsong and butterflies, and all the exotic fruits and flowers of tropical Yucatan. Over 100 acres of gardens surround the main house. The main building was designed by Sylvanus G. Morley, the head of the Carnegie expedition that rebuilt Chichen Itza in the 1920's. Its Hacienda style main corridor faces the Mayan Observatory. The Mayaland Hotel is an experience in itself; one that will enrich your stay at Chichen Itza.

Note: Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Bus drive from Cancun to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Program orientation.

Meet your group leader and fellow Road Scholar participants during a welcome and introduction session at the hotel. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

This morning, transfer to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve (also known as Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh) for birding on forest trails.

Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh (meaning House of the Spider Monkey and Puma) is the crowning achievement of Punta Laguna’s community-based efforts to protect and preserve the forest and archaeological sites in the area. The reserve, a designated RAMSAR site, covers an area of 5,367 hectares that encompasses sub-evergreen forest, flooded forest, lagoons, archaeological sites, and cenotes. Although the nature sanctuary is best known for protecting hundreds of black-handed spider monkeys and a lesser number of howler monkeys, it also provides a safe haven for all nature of native wildlife and flora. Bird species found at this site include Keel-billed Toucans, Collared Aracaris, White-fronted Amazons, Yellow-lored Parrot (endemic), Black-and-white Owls (rare), Ocellated Turkeys, Great Curassows, and Turquoise-browed Motmots. Migrants common to the area include American Yellow Warblers, American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Hooded Warblers, and Black-and-white Warblers.

Depart for Chichen Itza.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Arrive at hotel and check-in.
Enjoy birding around the hotel garden and trails.

Description: Mayaland was the first hotel built at Chichen Itza (in 1923) and, with its superb location amidst the temples, the first within an ancient site in the world. In its way, it's as much a landmark as the pyramids that tower above it. Mayaland is a creation of Old Yucatan, built and operated by its original owners and their descendants in a style reminiscent of the hacienda nobility of a century ago. Its air of genteel hospitality and old-fashioned charm is a legacy enhanced by the addition of every amenity. The grounds are alive with birdsong and butterflies, and all the exotic fruits and flowers of tropical Yucatan. Over 100 acres of gardens surround the main house. The main building was designed by Sylvanus G. Morley, the head of the Carnegie expedition that rebuilt Chichen Itza in the 1920's. Its Hacienda style main corridor faces the Mayan Observatory. The Mayaland Hotel is an experience in itself; one that will enrich your stay at Chichen Itza.

Morning: Field trip to the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Birdwatch during a boat ride in the reserve's wetlands. Be on the look-out for American Flamingos, Muscovy Ducks, Wood Storks, and Peregrine Falcons.

This important RAMSAR site is located approximately 167 miles from Merida. There is great diversity of plant and animal life in the area which includes 523 registered plant species, 335 bird species (179 are resident, 142 are migratory, and 14 are resident migrants), 95 reptile and amphibian species, 71 registered fish species, and 58 mammal species listed as endangered. The reserve's most famous resident is the colorful Caribbean Flamingo which can be seen nesting in the El Cuyo basin. Other bird families commonly spotted in the reserve include: herons, storks, kingfishers, cormorants, coots, rails, and gallinules.

Description: The El Castellano Hotel is just two blocks from the main square of Merida. Within walking distance is the 16th-century Cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, once the home of Francisco de Montejo, the Spanish knight who founded the city in 1542, and Government House, an elegant building famous for its collection of murals by Yucatecan painter Fernando Castro Pacheco.
Also within walking distance: the site of the Church of the Third Order, the University of the Yucatán which dates from 1618, Peon Contreras Theater and Santa Lucía Park.

The once powerful city of Chichen Itza is located in the north-central region of the Yucatan Peninsula. It centers upon two unusually large cenotes, the Xtoloc that provided water for the city and the Sacred Cenote used for religious practices.

The forests in and around the impressive archaeological complex are home to a variety of wildlife. Target species include the Yucatan Jay, Rose-throated Becard, Masked Tityra, Black-crowned Tityra, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Boat-billed flycatcher, Cave Swallow, Scrub Euphonia, Yellow-throated Euphonia, and Social Flycatcher. Endemic bird species include the Yucatan Woodpecker and the Yucatan Parrot. This is also a good area to spot migrant songbirds that winter in the region.

Continue your field trip with a visit to Cenote Ikil for swimming and a site lecture. Site Lecture: Cenotes and the Spiritual Life of the Mayas.

While here, take the opportunity to look for White-fronted Parrots, Cave Swallows, Grey-breasted Martins, and Masked Tityras--species known to frequent the woodlands and fields surrounding Ikil.

Lunch: Lunch at the cenote.

Afternoon: Time at leisure.

Transfer to Merida.

One of Mexico's most hospitable and nostalgic colonial cities, Merida combines colonial era architecture with a rich Indian heritage. Graceful colonial buildings and shade trees border the city's lovely Plaza Mayor. Most historical buildings were built between the 17th and 18th centuries and are notable for their gleaming white and pastel exteriors. Merida is an ideal focal point from which to access birding sites in the area. Endemic birds include the Yucatan Wren, Yucatan Bobwhite, Mexican Sheartail, Caribbean Flamingos and White Pelicans.

Uxmal, located in the Puuc region of Yucatan was one of the largest Mayan cities in the Classic Period between 600-1000 A.D. During this period, it was the capital of a vast territory on the peninsula. Uxmal's architecture was executed in the Puuc style, with elaborate and finely hewn stone mosaics that can be seen gracing many of the buildings. Notable buildings include the famous Pyramid of the Wizard, the Quandrangle of Nuns, and the House of the Turtles. Since water is scarce in the area, the Mayas designed a series of limestone-lined reservoirs and cisterns to catch water during the dry season. Images of the rain god Chac feature prominently at Uxmal.

Here we hope to spot some endemic species such as the Yucatan Flycatcher, White-browed Wren, Ridgway's Rough-winged Swallow, and the colorful Gray-throated Chat.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Transfer to Campeche.

The city of Campeche is located on the southeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, facing the Gulf of Mexico. This colonial city, founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, was built on top of a Maya city (known as Canpech or Kimpech). It was the most important port in the Yucatan until the mid 1800's and was one of the largest and most important cities of the peninsula (second to Merida). The old Spanish fortifications which can still be seen throughout the city, date back to the late 1600's; built to protect its inhabitants from pirate attacks. Some notable historic sites in the city include the main plaza, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, the Puerta de Tierra, San Jose Fort, Casa #6, and the San Miguel Fort. A more recent addition, inaugurated in 2000, the Malecon (waterfront) was built along the city's seafront and has paths and sitting areas for those who wish to enjoy beautiful views of the bay. Campeche was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999.

Description: Eco-friendly property located approximately 5 miles from the town of Xpuhil. The accommodations are carefully designed to make use of natural methods of ventilation, making air conditioning obsolete. Solar power is used to heat water for the resort and its guests. Attractive gardens and trails offer guests a tranquil setting in which to enjoy their downtime between excursions to nearby archaeological sites.

Morning: Depart for Edzna and Xpujil.
Field trip to Edzna Ruins: Birdwatching among the ruins and site lecture.

This isolated archaeological site was once an influential city along Mayan trade routes. Located southeast of Campeche, it was lost in the surrounding forests until Nazario Quintana Bello rediscovered the ruins in 1927. The Mayan city was founded as an agricultural settlement around 400 BC. Over the years, the city developed advanced methods of irrigation and water conservation, which led to agricultural success and a population boom. The Great Acropolis and Little Acropolis are the focal points of the site. The Temple of the Five Levels, an impressive tiered pyramid built in five stages, dominates the Great Acropolis. Carved stelae dating as far back as 4 BC have been found here.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy some birding on a local lagoon before transfering to Xpujil.

The name Xpujil means "Place of the Cattails" in the language of the Mayas. The site was officially discovered in 1938 by members of the fourth Carnegie Expedition to Campeche. The expedition's success was accomplished with the help of a local scout who gathered information about different archaeological sites in the area by talking to chicle farmers. This interesting site is just a few miles west of the town of Xpujil, and is part of a larger group of ruins in an area called Rio Bec. Xpujil is unusual in that it has three towers instead of the usual two found in the Rio Bec area and it resembles the tall structures found in the Peten area of Guatemala. The highly ornamented towers have roof combs and false stairways with carved jaguar heads.

Arrive in Xpujil and check-in at the hotel.

Before getting ready for dinner, enjoy some birding on the hotel grounds. Keep your eyes open for Crested Guanas and Great Curassows.

Description: Eco-friendly property located approximately 5 miles from the town of Xpuhil. The accommodations are carefully designed to make use of natural methods of ventilation, making air conditioning obsolete. Solar power is used to heat water for the resort and its guests. Attractive gardens and trails offer guests a tranquil setting in which to enjoy their downtime between excursions to nearby archaeological sites.

Morning: Morning transfer to Calakmul.
Birding field trip in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and site lecture on the architecture of the ruins.

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is home to many endangered mammals and an impressive 350 species of birds. It is part of the largest extension of tropical forest outside the Amazon basin. The top of the great pyramid in the archaeological complex offers a good vantage point to look for soaring raptors such as Hook-billed and Gray-headed Kites, Hawk-Eagles and the magnificent King Vulture, the symbol of Calakmul. Other possibilities are endemic species such as the Ocellated Turkey and Rose-throated Tanager, as well as rare and endangered birds such as Great Curassow and Crested Guan.

Description: This charming hotel is perched on a forested hillside, off the main road to the Palenque ruins and a short drive from town. Thatched cabañas have spacious rooms with high ceilings and covered patios with hammocks. Lush and colorful tropical vegetation surround the buildings--instilling a sense of privacy and peacefulness.

Morning: Transfer to Becan.
Birding field trip in the Becan ruins and site lecture.

Becan was once the political, economic, and religious center of the area known today as Rio Bec. The ruins are situated about 4 miles west of the town of Xpuhil. One distinguishing characteristic of Becan is the presence of moats and protective walls around the city; a feature not commonly found in Mayan cities. The pyramids and temples in Becan were built in clusters around 3 main plazas, and also include a small but well preserved ball court. Some buildings still have remnants of the detailed facades that once graced their walls, giving us insight into what the city must have looked like in its heyday.

Transfer to Palenque.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Palenque and check-in at the hotel.
Lecture: Pacal's Tomb.

Description: This charming hotel is perched on a forested hillside, off the main road to the Palenque ruins and a short drive from town. Thatched cabañas have spacious rooms with high ceilings and covered patios with hammocks. Lush and colorful tropical vegetation surround the buildings--instilling a sense of privacy and peacefulness.

Vast, mysterious and enchanting, the ruined city of Palenque is considered one of the loveliest archaeological sites in the world. It is nestled amidst steep and thickly forested hills, and frequently shrouded in lacy mist. Though much of the surrounding area has been cleared over the centuries for farming, Palenque still offers excellent birding opportunities with a host of additional species not to be found in the drier forests of Calakmul. Here we will search for Keel-billed Toucans, Bat Falcons, Green Honeycreepers, Red-lored Parrots, Montezuma Oropendulas, Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, Masked Tityras, Red-throated Ant-Tanagers, Lineated Woodpeckers, Pale-billed Woodpeckers, and Barred Falcons.

Transfer to Misol-Ha.

Lunch: Lunch at Misol-Há.

Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy an afternoon birding around the Misol-Há waterfall.

The beautiful waterfall of Misol-Há is located approximately 13 miles south of Palenque. Steady streams of water cascade from the cliff’s edge and spill into a deep pool 98 feet below. The craggy rock face, rushing water, and tropical vegetation help to conceal a deep cave that leads to a subterranean pool. The entrance to the cave, located behind the falls, can be reached by following a trail along the base of the cliff.

The ruins of Bonampak were still being used for ceremonial purposes by Lacandon Indians when archaeologists explored the site in 1946. The city was built in the Early Classic Period and has a small plaza, surrounded by groups of smaller buildings. The most remarkable feature of this site is the presence of colorful frescoes depicting war and sacrificial ceremonies. These paintings were a shock to the academic world, since until then most believed the Maya were peaceful people.

Description: This charming hotel is perched on a forested hillside, off the main road to the Palenque ruins and a short drive from town. Thatched cabañas have spacious rooms with high ceilings and covered patios with hammocks. Lush and colorful tropical vegetation surround the buildings--instilling a sense of privacy and peacefulness.

The ancient Mayan city hides in the midst of a lush rainforest on the banks of the Usumacinta River, and is only accessible by boat. Yaxchilan was once a powerful city in the region and controlled many lesser communities nearby. It is probably best known for the quality and beauty of the sculptures found throughout the city on stelae, altars, lintels and murals. A remarkable feature of many monument sculptures depicting bloodletting rituals, is the presence of women as the main figures; something virtually unheard of in Mayan monument art.

Morning: Transfer to Villahermosa.
Birding field trip to Usamacinta Marshes and Catajaza coast.

The Usumacinta mangroves, and the flooded areas that surround them, are considered to be some of the most important wetlands in the country. The warm and humid climate, combined with rich soil and the availability of water (especially during the rainy summer months), all help to support a variety of plant and wildlife in the area. The wetlands are home to over 370 species of plants, 279 species of birds, 60 species of fish, 85 species of reptiles, 26 species of amphibians, and over 130 species of mammals. Ducks, waders, raptors and shorebirds are commonly seen in the area.

Birds of interest in this area include Aplomado Falcons, White-tailed Hawks, Black-collared Hawks, Jabiru, Blue-winged Teals, and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks.

Day Thirteen: Sunday, November 16 - Depart from Villahermosa.
Arrive in the U.S...

Note: Bus drive from the hotel to the airport takes approximately 15 minutes.

Depart From: Transfer to the Carlos Rovirosa Perez International Airport in Villahermosa for flights to the U.S.

Note: Participants can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

This concludes the program. We hope you enjoyed your Road Scholar adventure! When you get home, remember to stay in touch via the Road Scholar Social Network; share memories, pictures, and comments about your recent travels.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!